16/02/2026
On January 17, 1994, the powerful Northridge earthquake caused widespread power outages across Los Angeles, plunging much of the city into unusual darkness. Soon after, residents began making phone calls, puzzled by the unfamiliar sight in the night sky.
The staff at Griffith Observatory received numerous inquiries from confused locals trying to understand what they were seeing. Some people even contacted 911 to report what they described as “strange clouds” hovering overhead.
The reason, however, was surprisingly simple. With the city’s bright lights temporarily gone, light pollution dropped dramatically, revealing a clear view of the Milky Way. For many residents, it was the first time they had ever seen our galaxy so vividly—appearing like a vast, glowing silver cloud stretching across the sky.